
Live the dream
There are times when appearances don't always reflect reality.
That's the case with a sprawling cottage that sits serenely on a huge, well-treed lot at block 11, lot three on Falcon Lake's south shore.
From the front, it exudes modern-rustic charm — its wide front porch has a pristine pergola perched perfectly over the front door.
SUPPLIED
Essentially two cottages in one, this Maric-built masterpiece in Falcon Lake comes with six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, fabulous finishes and enchanting lake views.
But then you glimpse the peaked roofline, which features a series of 10 large windows placed precisely over the glass-lined front door.
It's at this point you get the feeling that something special awaits inside.
The feeling is accurate. Step inside and it's as if you've walked into a cathedral — one with a commanding and decidedly rustic air.
'The first space that you see is a huge great room with a towering, vaulted ceiling,' says Thor Sigmar of Lifestyles Real Estate.
'A huge bank of windows provides spectacular lake views, while a wood-burning fireplace with floor-to-ceiling stone surround and feature wall serves as its focal point.'
Once you've taken in the majestic great room, you can't help but marvel at how fresh and new the cottage feels inside.
TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS
The great room, with its vaulted ceiling, wall of windows and gorgeous fireplace, is simply stunning.
'It was actually built in 2014 by Maric Homes for the owners,' says Sigmar. 'They've taken great pride in owning the cottage and have done an impeccable job of upkeep. It's in pristine condition throughout. There's not a chip or blemish anywhere.
'It has everything you might want or need, right down to the most minute detail,' he says. 'They spared no expense when they built it.'
That's evident in the quality of finishes that envelop you in welcoming warmth as you make your way through the airy, free-flowing main living area.
Hand-scraped hardwood flooring adds class and texture, while the spectacular kitchen has gorgeous custom finished cabinets, granite countertops, a taupe tile backsplash and a 12-foot, pine-lined ceiling.
All these features work together to amplify the cozy, rustic ambience established in the stunning great room.
TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS
Chefs will love the spacious, beautifully finished island kitchen.
The dining area is to the rear of the dazzling island kitchen. The latter comes with high-end stainless appliances, including a gas range and wall oven.
'It's in a perfect spot, just steps from the kitchen, and can easily seat 16 guests,' Sigmar notes. 'You can call your guests in for dinner from the adjacent three-season sunroom, which has built-in speakers, retractable windows and a door that connects to a huge, private deck that overlooks the lake.'
The remainder of the main floor is filled out by a large secondary bedroom with ensuite, a laundry room and, of course, the primary bedroom.
'It's in the rear corner of the cottage, and offers a beautiful lake view, spa-like ensuite with walk-in shower and tile floor and large walk-in closet,' he says. 'It also has a patio door that leads out to the elevated deck where you can enjoy a cup of coffee as you look out over the lake.'
Next comes the main floor's final feature: a staircase that leads down to a walk-out lower level.
'Basically, it creates two cottages in one, adding about another 1,900 square feet of living space, taking total livable space to over 4,000 sq. ft.'
TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS
Perfectly positioned next to the kitchen, the dining area can easily seat 16.
Just as the first thing you see on the main floor is the lake view through the wall of windows on the great room's rear wall, the first thing you see on the lower level is the water — and the backyard — stretching out in front of you.
'A rear wall filled with four windows lets in the view and tons of natural light, while a gas fireplace with stone surround serves as the focal point of the media area room, which also has a patio door that leads out to the back deck,' adds Sigmar.
'Families will also love that there are four bedrooms and a full bath downstairs. The lower level really optimizes livable space.'
And while Falcon Beach is only a short drive away, you won't really need to go there if you'd rather have more privacy.
'You have your own beach here, along with a boat port, tons of docking and, of course, all the decks to relax on. There's also a double detached garage with a heated floor and its own bathroom …
TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS
The three-season sunroom next to the dining area is a great spot to visit with guests.
'Well suited to host family and friends, this truly is a dream property.'
lewys@mymts.net

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Plenty of room for the whole family
When a large family looks at what they desire most in a home, their first preference is always function. That's entirely understandable. After all, home is where they'll be spending the bulk of their time, activities and social commitments aside. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS A true jaw-dropper, the island kitchen at 7 Adara Alley in Aurora at North Point is equal parts style and function. Big, growing families or large multi-generational families need a space that fosters both family time and privacy. As much as families love each other, it's essential that everyone have their own space and time apart to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. The Malibu — a fabulous new two-storey, 1,881 sq. ft. plan conceived by Daytona Homes — was designed to provide king-sized families with the flexibility they need to live life to the fullest, says Alana Yaren, Daytona's sales manager. 'We worked very hard to design a home that has everything a big family is looking for,' she says. 'Of course, the home is very functional — that's something we put into every home we build, whether it be a townhome, attached single family home or a single-family home like this one.' That's not to say the need for style was overlooked; all you need to do is step into the Malibu's main living area and take a look at the island kitchen. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS Daytona's designers cleverly placed a handy prep kitchen and butler's pantry behind the smashing island kitchen at 7 Adara Alley. 'Right away, you notice the island and the countertops — they really stand out with all their beautiful grey highlights that pop on the off-white quartz,' says Yaren. 'We put up matching backsplashes to add an extra touch of class. There's also a fabulous prep kitchen with butler's pantry behind the kitchen that can be closed off by a pocket door.' To ensure the overall look isn't too busy, light taupe cabinets were installed along with stainless appliances to give the kitchen a modern feel. At the same time, natural looking, nicely textured wide-plank flooring was installed to add warmth and give the main living area a pleasing sense of cohesion. To that end, flow into the dining area from the kitchen is seamless, as it is into the adjacent great room, which features a quiet sense of refinement. 'Lots of natural light comes in from a large picture window on its rear wall, while the neutral colour scheme works really well with the flooring,' she says. 'There's plenty of room for people to sit around and visit, and the linear electric fireplace looks great with its colours, especially at night. It's just a very comfortable space.' The Malibu is one comfortable, well-organized home. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS A versatile space, the naturally bright second-floor bonus room can be used for a variety of purposes. And that uplifting, easy-living feel starts right when you walk in the front door, says Yaren. 'This home has four bedrooms, with one of them being placed conveniently on the main floor. A full bathroom was placed next to it, so if you have in-laws that want to come and live with you, you have a perfect in-law suite area for them.' She adds that the front of the house also offers another design feature that will appeal to large families. 'An additional entrance was put on the side of the home to provide direct access to the lower level. So, if you want to put in an in-law suite or rent out the basement, people can have their own private entryway to the home.' The Malibu's upper level is as functional as its main level. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS Spacious and spa-inspired, the ensuite is a luxurious, calming space. In total, it holds six spaces: three bedrooms, a laundry room, main bath and a good-sized bonus room. The latter, says Yaren, is 'a versatile space that can be used by the kids to play, watch TV or study in apart from the grown-ups. Or it can be used as an office. Basically, it can be anything a family needs it to be.' The bonus room also serves another purpose: it deftly separates the secondary bedrooms from the primary one. 'As a result, it's a very private, peaceful space. A large window on its rear wall lets in lots of natural light, there's a big walk-in closet, and the ensuite is a beautiful space with its walk-in shower, dual vanity and marble-style vinyl tile floor.' Yaren says large families will like the community as much as the home's smart design. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS The two-storey, 1,881 sq. ft. Malibu was designed expressly to cater to the needs of large or multi-generational families. 'There's a school being built, full transit service, and commercial services are coming. With its well- balanced design and great location, the Malibu is just what big families are looking for.' lewys@


Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Saved by salads
Unlike most of The Simpsons clan, I'm of the opinion that you can, in fact, win friends with salad. And not because of their purported 'health benefits.' Salads make a meal more balanced by virtue of their freshness and acidity. They add colour and crunch and they don't need a recipe — if you've got oil and acid, you've got salad dressing. A salad can be made of vegetables or fruit, or some combination of the two. There are salads made of bread (see: panzanella), salads made of pasta and, yes, even salads made of gelatin. The possibilities are truly endless. This week's recipe roundup features friendship-worthy salads: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Mango Chutney from Alison Baldwin, Irene's Cucumber Salad from Lori Ferguson Sain and Strawberry Salad from Judy Antaya-Rajotte. Speaking of gelatin, please send in your favourite Jell-O recipes — sweet, savoury and otherwise — for an upcoming Homemade feature. Visit Homemade to fill out the submission form. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files Alison Baldwin combines roasted sweet potatoes with spices, herbs and a mango chutney is sure to help make friends. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS files Alison Baldwin combines roasted sweet potatoes with spices, herbs and a mango chutney is sure to help make friends. Dressing Preheat oven to 425 F and combine potatoes, 45 ml (3 tbsp) of olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, cumin and ginger. Stir to combine and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 30 ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the sunflower seeds and cook, stirring until toasted. Transfer the seeds to a plate and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, scallions and red pepper and set aside. Combine dressing ingredients (except for the olive oil) in a small saucepan and heat through. Remove from heat and whisk in olive oil. Assemble salad by gently tossing the roasted potatoes with the cranberry-red pepper mixture. Add enough of the dressing to coat and garnish with toasted seeds. Serve with extra dressing on the side. — Alison Baldwin English cucumbers, thinly sliced Dressing Combine dressing ingredients and pour over sliced cucumbers. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Drain liquid before serving. This salad keeps in the fridge for several days. 'Irene Ferguson was our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother-in-law. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, she married a member of the RCAF. They were transferred to Winnipeg in the early 1960s and, other than a short stint in France, she lived in Winnipeg for the rest of her life. This is her cucumber salad recipe, a staple at holiday dinners and cottage gatherings for decades.' — Lori Ferguson Sain Dressing Prepare vinaigrette dressing in a small bowl by stirring together garlic, mustard, both vinegars and brown sugar. Whisk in oil. To serve, toss mixed greens with vinaigrette in a large bowl. Place an equal portion of dressed greens on plates and top with cheese, nuts and strawberries. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 'This recipe came from the Best of Bridge series. A simple recipe with gourmet results. I have served for lunch with a baguette or croissants. This salad is always a big hit.' — Judy Antaya-Rajotte Eva WasneyReporter Eva Wasney has been a reporter with the Free Press Arts & Life department since 2019. Read more about Eva. Every piece of reporting Eva produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.


Winnipeg Free Press
14-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Live the dream
There are times when appearances don't always reflect reality. That's the case with a sprawling cottage that sits serenely on a huge, well-treed lot at block 11, lot three on Falcon Lake's south shore. From the front, it exudes modern-rustic charm — its wide front porch has a pristine pergola perched perfectly over the front door. SUPPLIED Essentially two cottages in one, this Maric-built masterpiece in Falcon Lake comes with six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, fabulous finishes and enchanting lake views. But then you glimpse the peaked roofline, which features a series of 10 large windows placed precisely over the glass-lined front door. It's at this point you get the feeling that something special awaits inside. The feeling is accurate. Step inside and it's as if you've walked into a cathedral — one with a commanding and decidedly rustic air. 'The first space that you see is a huge great room with a towering, vaulted ceiling,' says Thor Sigmar of Lifestyles Real Estate. 'A huge bank of windows provides spectacular lake views, while a wood-burning fireplace with floor-to-ceiling stone surround and feature wall serves as its focal point.' Once you've taken in the majestic great room, you can't help but marvel at how fresh and new the cottage feels inside. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS The great room, with its vaulted ceiling, wall of windows and gorgeous fireplace, is simply stunning. 'It was actually built in 2014 by Maric Homes for the owners,' says Sigmar. 'They've taken great pride in owning the cottage and have done an impeccable job of upkeep. It's in pristine condition throughout. There's not a chip or blemish anywhere. 'It has everything you might want or need, right down to the most minute detail,' he says. 'They spared no expense when they built it.' That's evident in the quality of finishes that envelop you in welcoming warmth as you make your way through the airy, free-flowing main living area. Hand-scraped hardwood flooring adds class and texture, while the spectacular kitchen has gorgeous custom finished cabinets, granite countertops, a taupe tile backsplash and a 12-foot, pine-lined ceiling. All these features work together to amplify the cozy, rustic ambience established in the stunning great room. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS Chefs will love the spacious, beautifully finished island kitchen. The dining area is to the rear of the dazzling island kitchen. The latter comes with high-end stainless appliances, including a gas range and wall oven. 'It's in a perfect spot, just steps from the kitchen, and can easily seat 16 guests,' Sigmar notes. 'You can call your guests in for dinner from the adjacent three-season sunroom, which has built-in speakers, retractable windows and a door that connects to a huge, private deck that overlooks the lake.' The remainder of the main floor is filled out by a large secondary bedroom with ensuite, a laundry room and, of course, the primary bedroom. 'It's in the rear corner of the cottage, and offers a beautiful lake view, spa-like ensuite with walk-in shower and tile floor and large walk-in closet,' he says. 'It also has a patio door that leads out to the elevated deck where you can enjoy a cup of coffee as you look out over the lake.' Next comes the main floor's final feature: a staircase that leads down to a walk-out lower level. 'Basically, it creates two cottages in one, adding about another 1,900 square feet of living space, taking total livable space to over 4,000 sq. ft.' TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS Perfectly positioned next to the kitchen, the dining area can easily seat 16. Just as the first thing you see on the main floor is the lake view through the wall of windows on the great room's rear wall, the first thing you see on the lower level is the water — and the backyard — stretching out in front of you. 'A rear wall filled with four windows lets in the view and tons of natural light, while a gas fireplace with stone surround serves as the focal point of the media area room, which also has a patio door that leads out to the back deck,' adds Sigmar. 'Families will also love that there are four bedrooms and a full bath downstairs. The lower level really optimizes livable space.' And while Falcon Beach is only a short drive away, you won't really need to go there if you'd rather have more privacy. 'You have your own beach here, along with a boat port, tons of docking and, of course, all the decks to relax on. There's also a double detached garage with a heated floor and its own bathroom … TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS The three-season sunroom next to the dining area is a great spot to visit with guests. 'Well suited to host family and friends, this truly is a dream property.' lewys@